The council demanded answers.
Rumors spread through the city like wildfire.
"General Draven is missing."
"The Queen fought him."
"Is there another war coming?"
Elaria stood on the balcony overlooking her kingdom.
Kael approached slowly, arm bandaged.
"You don't have to carry this alone," he said softly.
She looked at him.
"For years, I didn't know who I was. Now I know—and it feels heavier than ignorance."
Kael stepped closer.
"You are not the darkness, Elaria. You are the balance."
For a moment, silence wrapped around them.
Then—
The sky cracked with thunder.
Far beyond the northern mountains, a tower of black flame rose into the clouds.
Kael's expression hardened.
"He's awakening it."
Elaria's eyes ignited with crimson light.
"Then we end this."
But deep inside, she knew—
This was only the beginning of a far greater war.
To Be Continued…